Just a fraction of Britain’s more than 6000 islands are accessible – and even fewer are inhabited. If you’re dreaming of life, or just a holiday, on a remote coastal island you’ll know that islanders have a reputation for being rather quirky. Local traditions and customs are fiercely protected and every British island has a... Read more »

The Republic of Ireland’s phenomenally popular Wild Atlantic Way takes in a dizzying 2500km coastal route from Cork to Donegal, but not all of us have three weeks to get behind the wheel – and no visitor to Ireland should miss out on the ribboning roads that skirt secluded mountains and the rolling farmland of the... Read more »

With its remote beauty, rugged landscapes and windswept coastlines, Ireland is a photographer’s dream. Philip Joyce shares some of his favourite pictures of Ireland. The Emerald Isle is one of the most spectacular locations on the planet. From rolling hills to vast cliffs and beautiful coastal drives, Ireland rivals anywhere in the world when it comes to stunning vistas... Read more »

London, Edinburgh, Cardiff… These are the usual suspects when visitors are thinking about UK city breaks. But there are actually 66 other cities to be explored throughout this land, each with something different to offer. Here’s our pick of the 8 best alternative UK city breaks. 1. Belfast, Northern Ireland Belfast rarely makes the cut on... Read more »

There is something about a road trip that creates an endless state of heightened excitement. It comes with a heart-in-mouth, funfair-like thrill. And no matter the destination, a road trip unfolds at the same, ascending rhythm. Back roads are followed (whenever possible), motorway service stations are avoided (at all costs) and the countryside flits by... Read more »

The Northern Irish coast is justifiably famous for its beauty, all craggy inlets and brooding cliffs topped by crumbling castles. Most people explore this coastline from the land, walking along the clifftops and driving the winding road that snakes along from the Scotland-facing east coast to the large inlet of Derry in the west. But... Read more »

It has often had to play second fiddle to its southern neighbour, but Northern Ireland offers a diversity of attractions that frequently confounds first-time visitors. Rejuvenated and irrepressible, Belfast now rivals any of the UK’s capital cities, but in addition, the country manifests superb natural heritage – including one of the world’s great coastal road... Read more »

If the Irish didn’t invent the pub, they’ve certainly espoused its cause with great vigour. The pub retains a pivotal place in Irish society. It’s the place where stories are narrated, deals and pacts are made, jokes are told and traditional music is heard. During the 1990s, the “Irish pub” concept (albeit with “authentic” period... Read more »

How well do you know the UK? Do you know your castles from your stately homes and your abbeys from your cathedrals? Take this test to find out. Can you name these ten famous UK landmarks? Compare flights, book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.

Ireland is a beguiling place: there are craggy coastal cliffs, lively pubs and history abounds. These are our favourite things to do in Ireland. Explore more of the world in video with the Rough Guides YouTube channel >

This is the year to discover the Irish capital’s burgeoning creative scene. The country’s designers are stepping into the limelight to celebrate the Year of Irish Design, and Dublin is taking centre stage as 2015’s World Design Hub. Visitors already arrive in their droves for the city’s the literary connections, the Guinness and that intangible... Read more »